When Craig "Spike" Decker and Mike Gribble started a small animation festival in 1977, they had no idea that they'd soon be attracted the attention and admiration of cinematic heavyweights like George Lucas, John Lasseter, Robin Williams, and the creators of “The Simpsons,” “Futurama,” “Monsters Inc.” and more. Their early festivals showcased indie animation at colleges and movie theaters across the country. Their list of contributing animators is a veritable list of Who's Who in the cartoon world. Mike Judge, Tim Burton, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, Don Herzfeldt, and J. G. Quintel all got their start premiering movies on the Spike and Mike circuit.

On April 24, the Sick & Twisted Festival of Animation will be stopping by Sacramento's Tower Theatre. This naughty and debauched night of animation will deliver the nastiest, most revolting and most hilarious short animated films of the year. Bring your barf bag and your ID card—nobody under 17 allowed. Want to know the next big thing in animation? Want to discover the next Ren and Stimpy, “South Park,” or “Beavis and Butt-Head”? This festival is your sneak peek. For more information, see here.